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From United Way of Central Alabama

United Way of Central Alabama has announced $177,750 in awards to Chilton County agencies for 2022, which includes member agency awards and Chilton County Advisory Council-approved grants. One-time grants awarded by the Advisory Council Local organizations can come to the Chair with written information about a need in the community. If the members agree that it’s a worthy cause, the organization can ask for funding—usually a one-time grant.

Boy Scouts—Tukabatchee Council:  $1,000

CareNet: $2,500

Chilton County Board of Education:  $6,000

Clanton Library:    $2,500

Jemison Library:    $2,500

Operation Santa Claus:  $2,000

P.E.E.C.H.—Partners Enhancing Education in Chilton County: $1,000

West End Neighborhood Watch:     $1,000

These one-time awards total $18,500.

The mission of UWCA is “to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another and to improve their community.”

From its beginning as The Birmingham Community Chest back in 1923, with 31 agencies and a goal of $450K, the UWCA’s “impact has grown to over 80 programs and initiatives in a six-county region…with a fundraising impact [of] more than $38M.” UWCA currently serves people in Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount, St. Clair and now Chilton Counties. Helping in a time of need UWCA and Chilton County United Way (CCUW) have actually been working together for years. Then, COVID hit. Although Chilton County had saved money for a rainy day, the local Emergency Assistance Center was about to shut down due to the impact of the pandemic. UWCA assisted agencies with COVID funds to help with nonprofit sustainability—some agencies in Chilton County were awarded those funds. They awarded additional grants to Butterfly Bridge, the Child Advocacy Center, and YMCA of Chilton County.

“Because of COVID, those nonprofits were very active and needed to stay open because schools were out. They helped kids and helped everybody,” said Yolanda Fox, Chilton County United Way Advisory Council.

Along the way, Drew Langloh, CEO of the UWCA, came to meet with the folks in Chilton County. While there, he discussed a new relationship where UWCA could continue to help Chilton County offer vital programs in the area. Even though it’s a new area in UWCA’s footprint, the organization is working closely with local agencies to bring good things to Chilton County. Chilton County has a four-member Advisory Council, who reviewed and approved the list. They include:  Carol Fortuna, former Executive Director of CCUW, Fox and two previous CCUW Board members.